Christmas in Palos Verdes & the South Bay 2012 —

Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods –merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different.

This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in foreign made produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate from your local Palos Verdes hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes in the South Bay would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the US dollars on a foreign made flat-screen?

Lots of Palos Verde homes owned by friends, family or colleague of yours could use a bit of sprucing up! Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like something for their Palos Verdes home; his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or house painted, or roof repaired or games at the Los Verdes golf course or ….

There are a bunch of owner-run restaurants in Palos Verdes and around the South Bay — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended gift receiver isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint, like at “Eat at Joes”. Remember, folks this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your local Palos Verdes home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

What about computers, maybe your intended gift receiver could use their computer tuned-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. I know many artists here in Palos Verdes and throughout the South Bay. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. There are scores of local artists and artisans eager for your business.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand foreign made lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that foreign economies can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. This is also one way of putting SPIRIT back in Christmas.

Please share this with others. And if you need lists of folks who own local businesses from whom you can get gifts from, let me know! I know LOTS of people!

This is a revolution of caring about each other and isn’t that what Christmas is about? I’m going to create a facebook page where you can post your ideas on where to get gift certificates and thereby patronize to help local Palos Verdes businesses and get some great gifts at the same time for your friends and family. Post often right here!